New overnight rail services between London and Gatwick Airport will launch this summer, allowing passengers to make the most of their annual leave. Starting Saturday, July 18, a weekly 3.40am Gatwick Express service will depart from London Victoria to Gatwick on Saturday mornings, with a return service at 4.35am from Gatwick to Victoria on Mondays. Both services will run until the week of September 7.
Trial aims to maximise holiday time
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates the Gatwick Express, said the trial is designed to help passengers maximise their weekends and annual leave when travelling abroad. Thameslink currently provides the most regular routes to the airport, with roughly one train per hour between London Victoria or London Blackfriars and Gatwick.
GTR bosses said the overnight trial is part of a wider plan to improve customer experience ahead of the formation of Great British Railways in 2027, which will see most train companies come under public ownership. The trial will continue until Monday, September 7, when peak holiday season ends.
Quote from GTR chief customer officer
Louis Rambaud, Chief Customer Officer at GTR, said: "We know that annual leave is precious and when the time comes to get away, every minute counts. Our new services will help people maximise their holidays by connecting them to early morning and late-night flights over the weekend." He added: "These new customer enhancements are part of our wider strategy to drive growth to key airports on our network. With direct, 30-minute services between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, access to Gatwick’s premium airport lounge and Fast-Track security, Gatwick Express is the best way to travel for a stress-free start to your holiday whether you’re in pyjamas or not!"
Rail minister comments on improvements
Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said: "As we set up Great British Railways, we're bringing train operators and Network Rail together under one roof so we can plan smarter journeys, overcome barriers to growth, jobs and homes, and deliver improvements passengers will really feel." He added: "These additional overnight Gatwick Express services will make a real difference to people arriving late or travelling for early flights - connecting them straight to the capital. Alongside contactless ticketing at every London airport, we're building a railway that works for passengers and drives growth across the country."
Similar trial for Stansted Airport
Overnight rail services are also being trialled to and from Stansted Airport on Fridays this summer. Until September 26, trains will run every 30 minutes between Stansted Airport and Tottenham Hale, where passengers can connect with the Victoria line Night Tube. The airport is currently only served by National Express buses, meaning on Fridays customers will benefit from the much quicker 36-minute journey to Tottenham Hale.
